For the Kids: FTK Fest Raised $1900 for Local Charities

VICKSBURG, Miss. – The first annual FTK (For the Kids)Fest, held yesterday at the B.B. Club, collected toys and raised $1900 for the Haven House and Beautiful Deliverance and had close to 150 in attendance.

The event, coordinated by Jena Moulder, bassist for a local underground band Chief City, was an all day affair with vendors, face painting, a kid’s craft table, and eleven bands from the Vicksburg and Jackson area in the upstairs ballroom of the BB Club.

“I was really blown away with the amount of people that came out to support this toy drive for our first year”, said Moulder. “I’m looking forward to this becoming an annual event, we learned a lot, and got to meet a lot of wonderful vendors, musicians, and people.”

The bands that performed at yesterday’s FTK Fest were: Howl and the Big Bad Wolves, Ballou and the Bears, the Whispering Trees, Alter Ego, Rabid Venom, Beneath the Kudzu, Downhill, Plagueburner, Death Throes from a Star, Die with Nature, and Chief City.

Downstairs, nearly twenty vendors sold a variety of wares: from crochet skulls to fresh-off-the-griddle tacos. A volunteer from Haven House was also on site, and a private space was offered for those who may have needed to speak candidly.

“We were so glad to have the opportunity to host the inaugural FTK fest for two great local organizations. It’s great to have the ability to give back to the community where we were raised,” said Derek Howard, BB club co-owner.

Left to Right: Jordan Wilson, Jena Moulder, and Derek Howard. Photo: Palmer Shiers

Editors Note: This article has been updated to reflect the final amount donated.